NASHVILLE ARTIST STEVEN DUNN TO RELEASE “AND” ON SEPTEMBER 8
A COLLECTION OF B-SIDES FROM HIS ONGOING EP SERIES
“GOD-LOVE-AND-DEATH”
“GOD” AND “LOVE” OUT NOW
”Split between low murmurs and soaring melodies—a juxtaposition that keeps you on your toes throughout” – rockandbluesmuse
Nashville based artist Steven Dunn continues to bring his musical journey to life with his 4-part EP series “GOD-LOVE-AND-DEATH”. The latest installment is a collection of B-sides titled “And” that will be release on September 8.
“When thinking about compiling this project I didn’t initially have an ‘And’ EP. This release consists of a lot of random tracks that I wrote for various projects that never made the cut onto a record. It seemed like a fun way to release some of those songs” – Dunn explains
Telling his stories with heartfelt emotion and roots rock riffs, he first solidified himself as a fixture around Indiana University’s indie rock scene while still in college, playing shows and releasing his debut album, Indianola. After graduating Dunn made his way to Nashville and started work on his four-part series, partly inspired by the legendary Johnny Cash.
”What’s most striking about these carefully culled songs is how much theme overlapping there is between them. Death rears its head in what seems like a love song or gospel hymn and love is underlining though-out ‘God.’ Dunn’s lyrics are more than music. They’re moments of truth and candor” – Innocent Words
With sincere lyrics and raw, haunting vocals, “GOD LOVE AND DEATH” has a pointed realism that is meant to bring attention to the evanescent lives we lead. The series was written in a way so every song connects to the others taking the listener on a musical storytelling expedition.
”the guttural rock intensity of Dunn’s voice kicks in to get the deeper points across. It’s those kinds of dynamics which makes his artirstry so compelling” — www.jwvibe.com
Video for “Till Rocks Cry Out” below:
”Showcasing a modern, yet timeworn songwriting approach and rustic yet soothing voice. Folky and soulful” — www.thenetwork317.net
The first volume, “GOD” was released on May 1, “LOVE” was released on June 30, “AND” to be release September 8, and “DEATH” out later this year.
Exclusive Interview with Steven Dunn
Exposed Vocals: So, tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made
you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in rural southern Indiana just outside of Bloomington. I still consider it getting the best of both worlds as I had the culture of Indiana University and Bloomington within driving distance while getting a rural Midwest upbringing at the same time.
I honestly don’t know if I actively chose to become an artist. It’s pretty cliché, but it’s one of those things that chose me. I’m pretty terrible at not being my own boss long term and nothing makes as much sense to me as being creative.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any
smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some
tips?
Make great music, work tirelessly, and be a decent person. Being a diva isn’t going to do you any favors.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do
you handle that?
Everyone does. I’m pretty good at self-deprecating humor, but also not all mistakes are mistakes to an audience. I don’t recall who this is attributed to, but a musician once said, “If you play a wrong note, do it twice so it’s on purpose.”
It might not have been how you practiced it, but it doesn’t necessarily make it wrong.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that
you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I tour as much as I can. I’ve got a bit of wanderlust so it’s one of my favorite things to do. This summer we were in Austin during the fourth of July and got invited to a party after the show. We got there and everyone was pretty far gone already. They were lighting fireworks in the back and one guy announced he was going to shoot them off his butt. I’ll leave the rest of the details to your imagination, but there was not a dull moment to be had the rest of the evening. Also, Nash, “I’m feeling a double quarter pounder.”
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with
now?
I’m pretty happy with my current set up. I’m always buying and selling gear for different purposes, but I’ve got an 80’s Yamaha console as my main preamps running through a Universal Audio Apollo 16. I could talk for days about mics, compressors, and preamps, as I love nerding out on gear.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works
best for you?
Well there’s a reason I have a publicist and it’s because I’m pretty bad at self-promotion. I envy people who can talk about themselves and their projects. If asked, I don’t have trouble sharing, but I just don’t have that gene. Having a publicist definitely works best for me.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead
or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Johnny Cash at the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman is one of those holy grail venues to me, and Johnny Cash is one of my favorite songwriters of all time. Is it bad that I kind of want to play with him during his drug influenced years where he’s breaking lights and kicking through his drummer’s bass drum?
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want
to talk about?
I have a four part album series that’s coming out this year. This series was inspired by Johnny Cash, who once said that he only wrote about God, love, and death. Each album is a concept record, with the exception of And, which is a B-sides compilation. God and Love have released. And comes out at the beginning of September and Death will come out on Halloween.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Something creative. I love photography as well. Doing something with my hands like working on motorcycles, cars, or carpentry.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
As much touring as I can and a new album in 2019
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
My bad-ass wife Megan. I couldn’t do what I do without her. My band Ben Handel, Blake Miller, and Amos Burch can’t thank you guys enough!
